Ocular Response Analyzer for Evaluating LASIK Candidates

The high-tech Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) is one of the Christenbury Eye Center’s newest advanced technologies. We are the only vision care center in the Southeast to offer this next-generation technique for analyzing the cornea – the clear outer cover of the eye. For the best LASIK results, the cornea must meet certain requirements for thickness, rigidity and strength. We use the Ocular Response Analyzer to determine whether a patient is a good LASIK candidate, and to help us achieve the best possible results from LASIK surgery.

Until now, the most sophisticated diagnostic tools evaluated the cornea like a topographic map, noting the unique surface ridges and abnormalities. The Ocular Response Analyzertakes this one step further by looking at the “biomechanical properties” of the cornea. In order to measure corneal tissue, the ORA blows a rapid puff of air over the surface of the eye. The cornea reacts to the air pressure by becoming slightly concave, and ORA’s electro-optical system measures the degree of change. Another measurement is taken as the air pressure on the cornea decreases. The average of these two pressures provides an accurate reading of both intraocular pressure and the relative strength or weakness of the cornea – important considerations that can determine whether you are a good LASIK candidate.

“Now we can identify who might be at greater risk for certain eye complications, such as keratoconus or corneal ectasia, where internal pressure causes a bulging of the cornea and blurring of vision, and who would be a suitable candidate for LASIK with the ORA.” “The Ocular Response Analyzer is an invaluable screening method for helping us understand who is going to achieve the best LASIK results.”